Compound Archery Shoots for Olympic Inclusion - Scientific American Scientific American Engineering Compound Archery Shoots for Olympic Inclusion As bow technology becomes less expensive and more widely tested in international competitions, the event’s popularity grows By Erica Cirino on August 5, 2016 Advertisement | Report Ad “Like an expert singer skilled at lyre and song—who strains a string to a new peg with ease, making the pliant sheep-gut fast at either end—so with his virtuoso ease Odysseus strung his mighty bow. Quickly his right hand plucked the string to test its pitch and under his touch it sang out clear and sharp as a swallow’s cry.” As Homer so dramatically noted nearly three millennia ago, archers must possess both muscle and skill, but bow technology has changed dramatically since Odysseus’s triumphant return to Ithaca. That change is now fueling a debate about whether or not to add a new event—compound archery—to the games that began around the same time in ancient Greece. Currently recurve bows—which resemble the Homeric variety and require considerably more strength and finesse to shoot than compound bows—are the only type permitted in Olympic competition.

Yet the number of elite compound archers worldwide is now growing as compound bow technology becomes less expensive and more widely tested in international competitions. With its expanding popularity, some archery aficionados say it’s only a matter of time until compound archery snags a spot in the Games. “We represent all types of archery, and compound archery we see as the same level of competition as recurve archery,” says Tom Dielen*, secretary general of the World Archery Federation , the sport’s international governing body, which advocates for compound archery’s inclusion in the Olympics. “In athletics, you can have different types of competitions within the same sport on the same level, like Olympic indoor and Olympic beach volleyball.” In order for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to consider adding a new event to its roster, the event must be distinct from other Olympic events. Competitive compound and recurve archery differ technically and also procedurally, with different point systems and rules used in each country.

Compound archers generally shoot at a six-ring target with a diameter of 80 centimeters from a distance of 50 meters whereas recurve archers shoot at a 10-ring target with a diameter of 122 centimeters from a distance of 70 meters. Another factor the IOC considers when evaluating a new event is whether the athletes—not their equipment—are scoring the points and setting records, Dielen says. That is technologically where compound and recurve archery deviate most. Compound bows have a mechanical release aid that assumes some of a bow’s draw weight and also come with a magnified scope, which together make the sport less about physical power and more about shooting accuracy. Recurve bows are more about a complete performance, requiring more physical strength to pull back and hold the string until the arrow is shot. Recurve shooters must also take into account the archer’s paradox, or the phenomenon that arrows take a curved and undulating path through the air after leaving the bow. This requires skill on the part of the archers, as they need to shoot slightly off to one side in order to hit their target.

“The compound bow is a much more efficient system,” says American recurve archer Zach Garrett , who will represent the U.S. at the upcoming Rio Games. “You don’t have to worry about how you make the string leave the arrow.” Even if the IOC decides compound archery is distinct and physically rigorous enough to qualify as a new event, cost also weighs on its decision. Each additional event adds to the cost of hosting the Games. The total cost of this year’s Games may exceed the IOC’s projected $13.2-billion price tag. The biggest hurdle the sport faces may be accessibility, however. Compound archery is more popular in Western countries than Asia, Africa and Oceania, where the technology is less readily available. This can put some countries at a competitive advantage as they benefit from a wider athlete pool that’s been able to train and compete using compound bows. “Globally, there are three competitive compound archers for every seven competitive recurve archers,” says Sheri Rhodes, national events manager of USA Archery , the American organization affiliated with World Archery.

“Yet, among our members there are four compound archers for every six recurve archers.” World Archery and USA Archery are working to give compound archery the best possible shot of becoming a new Olympic event, which Dielen and Rhodes both predict could happen as early as 2024. Internationally, World Archery is working to increase the compound archery athlete pool by attracting more women to the sport, mainly by equalizing male and female prize money at competitions and hosting more international competitions. “It’s up to us to make sure compound archery is worthy of being in the Olympic Games,” Dielen says. “If we succeed, that will mean more medals for archers of all kinds, and more medals looks good for everyone.” Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the references to Tom Dielen, whose quotes were incorrectly attributed to a World Archery Federation spokesman, Chris Wells. Archery - When will compound archery become an Olympic sport? - The Infinite Curve When will compound archery become an Olympic sport?

21 April, 2015 Matt Stutzman at the Paralympics: London 2012 With just a few hundred days to go until Rio, there has now been a pair of posts by USA Archery speaking with Tom Dielen about if, how and when compound archery would be introduced to the Olympic Games (it has been a part of the Paralympics since 2008, of course). I have compiled both of them below into one interview. There is already a plan submitted to include a recurve mixed team event at Tokyo 2020 , which is a much easier sell to the IOC as it would not increase the number of athletes. Keeping the number of athletes for the Summer Games down to 10,500 is a key tenet of the Agenda 2020 proposals which are designed to reduce the cost and complexity of hosting the Games.

There are logistics issues too: the four medal archery programme at the moment with 128 athletes already monopolises a large venue for a week, so in order to have a compound competition either the programme would have to be significantly extended, the venue redesigned (presumably to four lanes) or the total number of athletes kept at the same or similar number, which would significantly change the recurve competition. It seems very unlikely to be introduced at Toyko 2020, so if it does happen, the 2024 Games will be the earliest we see the bowstyle appearing. I suspect a lot depends on the continuing popularity of the Olympic competition in Brasil and Japan for a worldwide TV audience. Here’s hoping. What if compound archery was an Olympic event? The benefits to archery are clear: There would be increased exposure for the sport, and the opportunity for more Olympic archery medals. After all, archery is archery – no matter what bow we shoot. But is it even possible for compound archery to become an Olympic event, and if so, what would it take to make that happen?

For the first in a series of articles on this very hot topic, we talked with Tom Dielen, the Secretary General of World Archery. “Worldwide, is it possible to estimate the percentage of compound archers versus recurve archers? “ It’s incredibly difficult to count the number of archers worldwide, independent of the bow they shoot: There are all those who shoot casually at a club or aren’t members of a federation, or visit centers or shops. What we can easily count is the number of elite athletes competing at World Archery events and compare how many of these are compound and how many are recurve. Over the 2014 season of World Championships (indoor and field) and Archery World Cup stages, we had 909 recurve entries and 653 compound. That’s about a 60:40 split. In some of our larger member associations (national archery governing bodies), you would find more of a 70:30 split based on participation at national competitions. We know that the number of casual compound archers is large, especially in North America, but we’re aiming to convert these people into competitors in the sport.

“Why hasn’t compound archery already been a part of the Olympic Games? “ Compound archery was first included in the World Archery Championships in 1995 – after an introduction in field and indoor disciplines earlier on. It was only three years before that when World Archery introduced the head-to-head system to recurve archery, a competition format that greatly increased the event’s value to the Olympic Program. A first request to include compound into the Olympics was made by Jim Easton in the late 1990s. However, the feedback received at that time was that it was impossible to add athletes, the disciplines were too similar, and that compound lacked universality (appeal and involvement from many different types of countries). What’s more, at that time, the position of archery was not as strong as it is now. Getting a sport or discipline added to the Olympic Program has not been a quick process. Sports were voted in and out only at meetings held every four years – and there was little turnover. However, the situation changed slightly last December, when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) accepted the Agenda 2020 recommendations that shifted the Olympic Program from sports-based to event-based.

“What is World Archery’s position on having compound archery added to the Olympic Games? “ World Archery would like to have more archery events and more medals at the Olympic Games. The first goal is to add the mixed team to the recurve event, as this is quota neutral – meaning it does not increase the number of athletes. It would be fantastic for the sport and its exposure internationally and in individual countries to include compound athletes in the Olympic Games. There is the example of India at the Asian Games, where compound was introduced for the first time in 2014. The nation made the top 10 rankings thanks to four compound medals in archery. Nowhere does it say whether these were compound or recurve medals; they count just the same, and as archery. Having said that, compound archery is already in the World Games – a multisport event that has been growing at an exceptional rate. The next edition is scheduled for Wroclaw in 2017, and then the World Games will head to Birmingham, Alabama in the USA for 2021. At Cali [Colombia] 2013, there were huge, full spectator stands for the compound event.

Birmingham 2021 is a real opportunity to showcase the sport – and what’s more, the IOC has signed an agreement to work closer with the World Games as a result of Agenda 2020. The IOC basically sees the World Games as a test platform for new events. Therefore, we all have huge interest in delivering a great compound event at future World Games. Together with USA Archery, we should aim to have 10,000 spectators watching the finals in Birmingham. That would send a clear message. World Archery is also working to have compound added to other Continental Games, following the example of the Asian edition, as another way of increasing visibility. “What are the IOC’s criteria for adding new events? “ There are many areas of assessment for new sports events in the Olympic Games. They range from participation, popularity, gender balance and competition level, to engagement with youth, integrity and individuality. One essential factor is television appeal. Compound archery has the qualities of an Olympic discipline – but it will be up against tough competition like skateboarding, squash, wakeboarding and 3×3 basketball.

For the 2016 Olympic Games, along with the 26 Summer Olympic sports from London, there were 23 additional requests from sports to join the event. We are not the only ones with great ideas! Now that we’re excited to see compound archers in the Olympic stadium, what can specifically be done to add compound archery to the Olympic Games? How can archery fans support this effort – and how are governing bodies working to make this change? Keep an eye out for our next article in this series, which will explore next steps for this initiative. How would the addition of compound potentially benefit the sport of archery? There would be increased exposure, the opportunity for more Olympic archery medals. It would give more chances for different countries to win medals. Is there any sense of how soon compound might become a part of the Games? It will not be a quick process, but each step along the way will be beneficial. Realistically, we are possibly looking at 2024, but more likely 2028. What are some of the changes that must be made in order to have compound added?

We have to raise the level of competition in the discipline, not in terms of the top archers but the depth and variety of the field. Compound archery is popular in some countries – like the USA – but the Olympics is a worldwide sporting event and many less developed nations simply do not practice the discipline. At a most basic level: the availability of equipment and technical expertise. The other critical element is the gender balance in all aspects. This means in participation but especially in performance level. At the moment, the level of compound women’s elite archery is not the same as the men’s. At the last World Championships, 28 points separated the women’s top 30 athletes over the qualification round – only 14 points the top 30 men. This pattern is echoed across other major events. Alongside our development work, more investment needs to be made by member associations and manufacturers to make this a reality. Equal prize money in all events (World Archery already has this) is another related aspect to work on.

There’s also work to be done in event presentation – making compound more and more appealing to a live audience – communicating the successes, stories and challenges of the sport more effectively, and working to maximize that “cool” factor of archery in the movies. We tested a number of competition formats over the past few years – and that is part of the process of developing a sport product that is different enough to the recurve event to have a chance of being included. We need to develop archery’s version of beach volleyball. It doesn’t need to be on a beach – but we do need to make it different enough from recurve archery to enhance the appeal! How is World Archery working to help make these changes? Continued development of the compound competition format, presentation and standard, and our international events, is a huge part of the process. The shift to include compound archery in the World Games – the first being the 2013 event – another initiative, plus the discipline in the first continental multisport event last year. We also have had excellent compound competitions in the Universiades and the Commonwealth Games.

We are making changes to how we present athletes on our website and encouraging high levels of social media activity among archers – another marker the IOC assess. Our development department works hard to promote archery of all levels in nations growing in the sport around the world, and we have an equipment assistance program sponsored by many archery manufacturers. During the ATA Show, World Archery met with manufacturers to explain why we have put in place the rule against athletes using camouflage equipment at international events. As well as safety (in field and 3D) being a factor, the move is largely about the presentation of the sport looking towards the Olympics. Camo would not be allowed at the Games – and if we truly want compound archery into the Olympics, then we need to make it a sport that we can successfully submit to the IOC for inclusion. At World Archery target events (world championships and the Archery World Cup), the compound and recurve competitions are equal. We use Saturday as the compound finals day and Sunday for the recurve – both with identical schedules and prize money. Is there anything that archers, coaches and others can do to help with having it included? Sports need personality and proactivity from elite athletes – as well as performance.

Jesse Broadwater is a fantastic compound example: recently, his athlete Facebook page has grown to around 24,000 likes as he has put the effort in to better promote himself and the sport. It’s this kind of attitude that helps make compound in the Olympics a viable suggestion. At whatever level and in whatever field – be it as an athlete, a coach, a tournament organizer, a photographer or journalist, even in governance of a club, region, state, or country – it’s about presenting compound archery as a global discipline that everyone can enjoy, participate in and watch. Small things can help: wearing smart or sports clothes and shoes rather than jeans provides that positive sporting image to the external audience that we all know archery to have. If we want to be perceived as sportsmen and women in a real sports discipline, then we need to dress and act as such. Remember, it’s not archers that we need to convince that compound should be in the Olympics. It’s those who don’t shoot. Anything else WA would like to add: Archery is archery no matter what bow we shoot.

We all love the sport and we need to make sure we stay positive about archery as a sport, together – and give it the good image it deserves. If we work together, presenting a unified and larger group of athletes, then things will become easier and progress will be made. Is Compound Archery an Olympic Hopeful March 19, 2015, 1:05 p.m. (ET) What if compound archery was an Olympic event? The benefits to archery are clear: There would be increased exposure for the sport, and the opportunity for more Olympic archery medals. After all, archery is archery - no matter what bow we shoot. But is it even possible for compound archery to become an Olympic event, and if so, what would it take to make that happen? For the first in a series of articles on this very hot topic, we talked with Tom Dielen, the Secretary General of World Archery, which is the international federation for the sport of archery. Worldwide, is it possible to estimate the percentage of compound archers versus recurve archers?

It’s incredibly difficult to count the number of archers worldwide, independent of the bow they shoot: There are all those who shoot casually at a club or aren’t members of a federation, or visit centers or shops. What we can easily count is the number of elite athletes competing at World Archery events and compare how many of these are compound and how many are recurve. Over the 2014 season of World Championships (indoor and field) and Archery World Cup stages, we had 909 recurve entries and 653 compound. That’s about a 60:40 split. In some of our larger member associations (national archery governing bodies), you would find more of a 70:30 split based on participation at national competitions. We know that the number of casual compound archers is large, especially in North America, but we’re aiming to convert these people into competitors in the sport. Why hasn't compound archery already been a part of the Olympic Games? Compound archery was first included in the World Archery Championships in 1995 – after an introduction in field and indoor disciplines earlier on.

It was only three years before that when World Archery introduced the head-to-head system to recurve archery, a competition format that greatly increased the event’s value to the Olympic Program. A first request to include compound into the Olympics was made by Jim Easton in the late 1990s. However, the feedback received at that time was that it was impossible to add athletes, the disciplines were too similar, and that compound lacked universality (appeal and involvement from many different types of countries). What’s more, at that time, the position of archery was not as strong as it is now. Getting a sport or discipline added to the Olympic Program has not been a quick process. Sports were voted in and out only at meetings held every four years – and there was little turnover. However, the situation changed slightly last December, when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) accepted the Agenda 2020 recommendations that shifted the Olympic Program from sports-based to event-based. What is World Archery's position on having compound archery added to the Olympic Games? World Archery would like to have more archery events and more medals at the Olympic Games.

The first goal is to add the mixed team to the recurve event, as this is quota neutral – meaning it does not increase the number of athletes. It would be fantastic for the sport and its exposure internationally and in individual countries to include compound athletes in the Olympic Games. There is the example of India at the Asian Games, where compound was introduced for the first time in 2014. The nation made the top 10 rankings thanks to four compound medals in archery. Nowhere does it say whether these were compound or recurve medals; they count just the same, and as archery. Having said that, compound archery is already in the World Games – a multisport event that has been growing at an exceptional rate. The next edition is scheduled for Wroclaw in 2017, and then the World Games will head to Birmingham, Alabama in the USA for 2021. At Cali [Colombia] 2013, there were huge, full spectator stands for the compound event.

Birmingham 2021 is a real opportunity to showcase the sport – and what’s more, the IOC has signed an agreement to work closer with the World Games as a result of Agenda 2020. The IOC basically sees the World Games as a test platform for new events. Therefore, we all have huge interest in delivering a great compound event at future World Games. Together with USA Archery, we should aim to have 10,000 spectators watching the finals in Birmingham. That would send a clear message. World Archery is also working to have compound added to other Continental Games, following the example of the Asian edition, as another way of increasing visibility. What are the IOC’s criteria for adding new events? There are many areas of assessment for new sports events in the Olympic Games. They range from participation, popularity, gender balance and competition level, to engagement with youth, integrity and individuality. One essential factor is television appeal. Compound archery has the qualities of an Olympic discipline – but it will be up against tough competition like skateboarding, squash, wakeboarding and 3x3 basketball.

For the 2016 Olympic Games, along with the 26 Summer Olympic sports from London, there were 23 additional requests from sports to join the event. We are not the only ones with great ideas! Now that we’re excited to see compound archers in the Olympic stadium, what can specifically be done to add compound archery to the Olympic Games? How can archery fans support this effort – and how are governing bodies working to make this change? Keep an eye out for our next article in this series, which will explore next steps for this initiative. Could Compound Archery Become an Olympic Sport? - Archery 360 Archery 360 an Olympic Sport? Could Compound Archery Become an Olympic Sport? February 20, 2014 | Staff Writer | Uncategorized Share: Why aren’t compound bows allowed in the Olympic Games? That’s probably one of the most controversial topics in competitive target archery. As archers watch the winter Olympics at Sochi, they’re reminded that shooters in the biathlon could easily be archers on skis.

And we’re betting at least some of the 2,200 archers who competed at the Vegas Shoot would like to shoot compound archery as an indoor Winter Olympic event. After all, compound archery is allowed in the World Cups, the World Championships and, just recently, the World Games. Continental games, such as the 2014 Asian Games, have followed suit. Tom Dielen, Secretary General of World Archery, the sport’s governing body, told the New York Times that the International Olympic Committee believed – at least initially – that recurve and compound competitions were too similar. It’s true that compound bows are arguably more consistent and lend themselves to longer, steadier aiming. World Archery has worked to separate the compound and recurve games, changing distances, target faces and the mechanics of how archers compete. “Recurve is a sport of execution and not so much aiming,” Dielen told the Times. “Compound is more aiming and precision. It’s now a different type of competition.” Then again, anyone watching compound archers at the Paralympic Games or the World Championships knows that compound archery, at the highest levels, is a game of excruciating precision. Why?

Because everyone – well, almost everyone – hits the middle of the target. The numbers: Recurve archers must try to hit the target’s center from about 75 yards. In contrast, compound archers must never miss their target’s center from about 55 yards, even though their target is 30 percent smaller and has six scoring rings instead of 10. The sport has several notable archers who switched from compound to recurve or vice versa. Five-time Olympian Butch Johnson switched from compound to recurve and back again before permanently embracing the ’curve for the Atlanta Olympic Games, where he won a team gold. He currently shoots a compound for bowhunting and a recurve for competition, but hasn’t ruled out competing again with a compound. Brady Ellison, an Olympic silver medalist, was a compound rock star in the junior divisions. In fact, he was a World Champion before changing to recurve during a camp. The story goes that Ellison suffered an equipment failure with his compound, and a friend loaned him a recurve. He was a natural with the new equipment, and made his first Olympic team three years later.

Archery fans speculate that his compound background taught him important form factors that benefited his recurve shooting. Reo Wilde, a world-class compound archer, also changed bows. He started with a compound, but switched to recurve in hopes of representing Team USA at the Games. Wilde ultimately chose the compound again, and now shoots full time. He has six world records to his name. However, the “Olympian” title holds special appeal for Wilde, a multi-time World Champion: “I love the Olympics, and I always will,” Wilde told the New York Times. “All I want is a chance to compete there. To have that would be the greatest thing I could imagine.” Share: Archery styles Written by: Merlin Archery Centre There are many different styles of archery, each with there own rules and categories depending on what equipment you choose to use. There are no rules governing which style of archery might suit you best. Just pick the one you think you will enjoy the most! These styles can be basically broken down in to 3 types- 1) Traditional Probably the most famous bow in the world is the English Longbow. A traditional archery bow.

If a member of the public was asked to name a famous archer they would undoubtedly think of Robin Hood, and not the current Olympic Champion. Traditional archery is archery in its simplest and original form. Wooden arrows fletched with feathers, a wooden bow, shooting glove, bracer and quiver is all the equipment you need to compete along side other traditional archers. Traditional archery relies solely on the archers skill, or instinct, to hit the target. This make it a very challenging, but extremely rewarding discipline. Occasionally used at some target events, but traditional archery's real home is in the woods shooting unmarked distances. 2) Recurve The only bow style allowed at the Olympics is the recurve bow. Modern engineering, sights, stabilizers and carbon arrows makes the modern recurve a far superior bow than it traditional predecessors, but there still limits on the types of equipment allowed. Associated mainly with target archery, and often the first bow a new archer is introduced to, the recurve is the most popular style of archery in the UK. 3) Compound The latest progression of archery is the compound bow.

A relatively new invention (around 1970) but over the last 10 years has experienced a huge growth in the number of archers using this type of bow. The compound bow is designed for maximum accuracy. The eccentric cams on the end of the limbs assist the archer by reducing the holding weight when they reach full draw position. This improves the archers ability to hold steady and also accelerates the arrow from the bow increasing speed. A mechanical trigger called a release aid is used to let go of the string, telescopic sights are permitted. Almost anything is allowed provided it is not electronic or electrical. But don't be fooled into thinking this makes winning easier. Your competitors will have these same advantages too! No Room at Olympics for an Archer’s Dominant Bow - The New York Times The New York Times Olympics |Compound Bow, a Sport’s ‘Ugly Stepchild,’ Is Still in Exile Search Continue reading the main story Photo At the 2012 Games, archers used recurve bows at Lord's Cricket Ground.

Credit Doug Mills/The New York Times LONDON — More than 100 athletes competed for 12 Olympic archery medals over eight days at the majestic Lord’s Cricket Ground, but the archer who may be the most dominant in the world spent most of the time sitting at home in Idaho. The archer, Reo Wilde, won the past four World Cups. He holds six world records. And at a recent competition, he twice fired 10 X’s, or shots to the innermost ring on the target, in a 15-arrow sequence. The most X’s anyone else has recorded in 15 arrows is seven. Despite that résumé, Wilde, 39, is watching the London Games on television. Four years from now, he will most likely have to do the same thing. The problem is Wilde’s bow. While Olympic archers used a recurve bow here — think of Robin Hood or Katniss in “The Hunger Games” — Wilde is the top-ranked compound archer in the world.

Recurve bows are relatively simple devices that rely on the athlete to supply the tension while pulling back an arrow, but the compound bow is more technologically advanced , and typically levers and pulleys help reduce the tension felt as the athlete goes to shoot. Generally, the separation of disciplines is not an issue; compound archery competitions are held alongside recurve tournaments at many major events. But the Olympics are the notable exception. Advertisement Continue reading the main story Now, with another Olympic archery cycle having just been completed, the lingering question of how to bridge the schism in the sport will be highlighted again. Archers like Wilde hold out hope of someday competing in the Olympics, but they are also aware the International Olympic Committee is slow to change. “In a way, we’ve always been the ugly stepchild,” Wilde said in a recent interview. “It’s really funny because I think compound is growing in popularity at a rate faster than our Olympic recurve counterparts. It makes sense: an average person can grab a compound and work with it. So what’s the problem?” He added: “What sense does it make? Other sports are embracing technology. We’re the only sport that holds our athletes back, the only sport that says: ‘No, sorry.

That’s too modern.’ ” Tom Dielen, the secretary general of archery’s world governing body, which is known as FITA, said the organization was pressing to have the International Olympic Committee include compound archery in future Games. Compound archery emerged as a truly competitive discipline in the mid-1990s, Dielen said, and the initial response from the I.O.C. was concern that it was too similar to recurve. To counter that notion, a committee was formed to make modifications that would help enhance compound’s viability. Several changes have been made over the years, and now there are some obvious differences: for one, recurve bows are shot 70 meters from the target, while compound bows are shot from 50 meters. The structure and scoring of a match are also different, as recurve matches are based on three-arrow sets (the archer with the highest total after three arrows apiece wins that set), while in compound every arrow counts. Photo Reo Wilde is the top-ranked compound archer in the world but cannot compete in the Olympics with that bow.

Credit Bill Schaefer/Associated Press “Recurve is a sport of execution and not so much aiming; compound is more aiming and precision,” Dielen said. “It’s now a different type of competition.” Dielen said it was realistic to think that compound archers would eventually be welcomed at the Olympics, though he was not confident it would happen in time for the 2016 Games. Wilde, however, is not convinced. He sometimes wonders whether officials within the sport are doing all they can to promote the second form. “People in power in archery are old-school recurve people,” he said from his home in Pocatello. “Sometimes I feel like they think that if compound comes in, recurve will cease to exist.” Please verify you're not a robot by clicking the box. Invalid email address. Please re-enter. You must select a newsletter to subscribe to. Sign Up Privacy Policy In the past, Wilde said, there was also a definite division between the types of archers. But that has changed in recent years, and there is now a genuine camaraderie, particularly at major tournaments, even though recurve archers, as potential Olympic athletes, are treated differently.

Advertisement Continue reading the main story For example, Wilde has often roomed with Brady Ellison, the top-ranked recurve archer in the world, at international events. Ellison shot compound bows when he was a junior competitor but switched to recurve and won a silver medal at the Beijing Games before being eliminated early in the men’s tournament here. He and Wilde are friends. As a recurve archer, though, Ellison is allowed to live and train at the United States Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. He is also eligible for stipends. Wilde trains at a local indoor club or occasionally in his parents’ backyard. He spent 16 years working for U.P.S. to finance his archery and started shooting full time only in 2010, after he had so much success that sponsorships made it possible. More than a decade ago, Wilde attempted to switch to recurve, hoping he might be able to live his Olympic dream that way. He failed to qualify, and returned to compound, where he was more comfortable. Compound is the future of the sport, he maintains; Dielen said its growth was impossible to ignore.

At one time, compound archery competition was mostly limited to the United States and parts of Europe; now, about 40 of the 150 nations affiliated with FITA have compound programs, and Dielen expects that number to increase drastically as Asia becomes more involved. Compound archery will make its Asian Games debut in 2014, Dielen said. Are the Olympics far behind? Dee Wilde, Reo’s father, was also a world champion compound archer, and he introduced his son to the sport when Reo was 12. Twenty-seven years later, Reo Wilde and the rest of the compound archers are still on the outside looking in. “I love the Olympics, and I always will,” Wilde said. “All I want is a chance to compete there. To have that would be the greatest thing I could imagine.” A version of this article appears in print on August 4, 2012, on Page D8 of the New York edition with the headline: Compound Bow, a Sport’s ‘Ugly Stepchild,’ Is Still in Exile.

Order Reprints | Today's Paper | Subscribe Is Compound Archery an Olympic Hopeful March 19, 2015, 1:05 p.m. (ET) What if compound archery was an Olympic event? The benefits to archery are clear: There would be increased exposure for the sport, and the opportunity for more Olympic archery medals. After all, archery is archery - no matter what bow we shoot. But is it even possible for compound archery to become an Olympic event, and if so, what would it take to make that happen? For the first in a series of articles on this very hot topic, we talked with Tom Dielen, the Secretary General of World Archery, which is the international federation for the sport of archery. Worldwide, is it possible to estimate the percentage of compound archers versus recurve archers? It’s incredibly difficult to count the number of archers worldwide, independent of the bow they shoot: There are all those who shoot casually at a club or aren’t members of a federation, or visit centers or shops.

What we can easily count is the number of elite athletes competing at World Archery events and compare how many of these are compound and how many are recurve. Over the 2014 season of World Championships (indoor and field) and Archery World Cup stages, we had 909 recurve entries and 653 compound. That’s about a 60:40 split. In some of our larger member associations (national archery governing bodies), you would find more of a 70:30 split based on participation at national competitions. We know that the number of casual compound archers is large, especially in North America, but we’re aiming to convert these people into competitors in the sport. Why hasn't compound archery already been a part of the Olympic Games? Compound archery was first included in the World Archery Championships in 1995 – after an introduction in field and indoor disciplines earlier on. It was only three years before that when World Archery introduced the head-to-head system to recurve archery, a competition format that greatly increased the event’s value to the Olympic Program.

A first request to include compound into the Olympics was made by Jim Easton in the late 1990s. However, the feedback received at that time was that it was impossible to add athletes, the disciplines were too similar, and that compound lacked universality (appeal and involvement from many different types of countries). What’s more, at that time, the position of archery was not as strong as it is now. Getting a sport or discipline added to the Olympic Program has not been a quick process. Sports were voted in and out only at meetings held every four years – and there was little turnover. However, the situation changed slightly last December, when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) accepted the Agenda 2020 recommendations that shifted the Olympic Program from sports-based to event-based. What is World Archery's position on having compound archery added to the Olympic Games? World Archery would like to have more archery events and more medals at the Olympic Games. The first goal is to add the mixed team to the recurve event, as this is quota neutral – meaning it does not increase the number of athletes. It would be fantastic for the sport and its exposure internationally and in individual countries to include compound athletes in the Olympic Games.

There is the example of India at the Asian Games, where compound was introduced for the first time in 2014. The nation made the top 10 rankings thanks to four compound medals in archery. Nowhere does it say whether these were compound or recurve medals; they count just the same, and as archery. Having said that, compound archery is already in the World Games – a multisport event that has been growing at an exceptional rate. The next edition is scheduled for Wroclaw in 2017, and then the World Games will head to Birmingham, Alabama in the USA for 2021. At Cali [Colombia] 2013, there were huge, full spectator stands for the compound event. Birmingham 2021 is a real opportunity to showcase the sport – and what’s more, the IOC has signed an agreement to work closer with the World Games as a result of Agenda 2020. The IOC basically sees the World Games as a test platform for new events. Therefore, we all have huge interest in delivering a great compound event at future World Games.

Together with USA Archery, we should aim to have 10,000 spectators watching the finals in Birmingham. That would send a clear message. World Archery is also working to have compound added to other Continental Games, following the example of the Asian edition, as another way of increasing visibility. What are the IOC’s criteria for adding new events? There are many areas of assessment for new sports events in the Olympic Games. They range from participation, popularity, gender balance and competition level, to engagement with youth, integrity and individuality. One essential factor is television appeal. Compound archery has the qualities of an Olympic discipline – but it will be up against tough competition like skateboarding, squash, wakeboarding and 3x3 basketball. For the 2016 Olympic Games, along with the 26 Summer Olympic sports from London, there were 23 additional requests from sports to join the event. We are not the only ones with great ideas! Now that we’re excited to see compound archers in the Olympic stadium, what can specifically be done to add compound archery to the Olympic Games? How can archery fans support this effort – and how are governing bodies working to make this change?

Keep an eye out for our next article in this series, which will explore next steps for this initiative. Is Compound Archery an Olympic Hopeful? Part 2 Is Compound Archery an Olympic Hopeful? Part 2 Is Compound Archery an Olympic Hopeful? Part 2 Print July 22, 2015, 5:48 p.m. (ET) COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado – What would it take for Compound Archery to make it into the Olympics? Earlier this spring, Tom Dielen, the Secretary General of World Archery , which is the international federation for the sport of archery, answered our questions about what it would mean for Compound to join the Olympics. Now, with just days until World Archery Championships in Denmark, USA Archery is excited to share the second half of the interview explaining how this change might eventually come about. How would the addition of compound potentially benefit the sport of archery? There would be increased exposure, the opportunity for more Olympic archery medals. It would give more chances for different countries to win medals. Is there any sense of how soon compound might become a part of the Games? It will not be a quick process, but each step along the way will be beneficial.

Realistically, we are possibly looking at 2024, but more likely 2028. What are some of the changes that must be made in order to have compound added? We have to raise the level of competition in the discipline, not in terms of the top archers but the depth and variety of the field. Compound archery is popular in some countries – like the USA – but the Olympics is a worldwide sporting event and many less developed nations simply do not practice the discipline. At a most basic level: the availability of equipment and technical expertise. The other critical element is the gender balance in all aspects. This means in participation but especially in performance level. At the moment, the level of compound women’s elite archery is not the same as the men’s. At the last World Championships, 28 points separated the women’s top 30 athletes over the qualification round – only 14 points the top 30 men. This pattern is echoed across other major events. Alongside our development work, more investment needs to be made by member associations and manufacturers to make this a reality. Equal prize money in all events (World Archery already has this) is another related aspect to work on.

There’s also work to be done in event presentation – making compound more and more appealing to a live audience – communicating the successes, stories and challenges of the sport more effectively, and working to maximize that “cool” factor of archery in the movies. We tested a number of competition formats over the past few years – and that is part of the process of developing a sport product that is different enough to the recurve event to have a chance of being included. We need to develop archery’s version of beach volleyball. It doesn’t need to be on a beach – but we do need to make it different enough from recurve archery to enhance the appeal! How is World Archery working to help make these changes? Continued development of the compound competition format, presentation and standard, and our international events, is a huge part of the process. The shift to include compound archery in the World Games – the first being the 2013 event – another initiative, plus the discipline in the first continental multisport event last year. We also have had excellent compound competitions in the Universiades and the Commonwealth Games.

We are making changes to how we present athletes on our website and encouraging high levels of social media activity among archers – another marker the IOC assess. Our development department works hard to promote archery of all levels in nations growing in the sport around the world, and we have an equipment assistance program sponsored by many archery manufacturers. During the ATA Show, World Archery met with manufacturers to explain why we have put in place the rule against athletes using camouflage equipment at international events. As well as safety (in field and 3D) being a factor, the move is largely about the presentation of the sport looking towards the Olympics. Camo would not be allowed at the Games – and if we truly want compound archery into the Olympics, then we need to make it a sport that we can successful submit to the IOC for inclusion. At World Archery target events (world championships and the Archery World Cup), the compound and recurve competitions are equal. We use Saturday as the compound finals day and Sunday for the recurve – both with identical schedules and prize money. Is there anything that archers, coaches and others can do to help with having it included? Sports need personality and proactivity from elite athletes – as well as performance.

Jesse Broadwater is a fantastic compound example: recently, his athlete Facebook page has grown to around 24,000 likes as he has put the effort in to better promote himself and the sport. It’s this kind of attitude that helps make compound in the Olympics a viable suggestion. At whatever level and in whatever field – be it as an athlete, a coach, a tournament organizer, a photographer or journalist, even in governance of a club, region, state, or country – it’s about presenting compound archery as a global discipline that everyone can enjoy, participate in and watch. Small things can help: wearing smart or sports clothes and shoes rather than jeans provides that positive sporting image to the external audience that we all know archery to have. If we want to be perceived as sportsmen and women in a real sports discipline, then we need to dress and act as such. Remember, it’s not archers that we need to convince that compound should be in the Olympics. It’s those who don’t shoot. Anything else WA would like to add: Archery is archery no matter what bow we shoot.

We all love the sport and we need to make sure we stay positive about archery as a sport, together – and give it the good image it deserves. If we work together, presenting a unified and larger group of athletes, then things will become easier and progress will be made. [photo: World Archery] Compound vs. Recurve BowsFairfield Outdoors Recurve Uses Allowed in all competitive events except for Pan Am, Parapan Am, and Olympic and Paralympic Games Allowed in all competitive events, including Pan Am, Parapan Am, and Olympic and Paralympic Games Length Shorter axle-to-axle (end-to-end) length; uses wheels and cams to conduct energy of bow. Much longer length from limb tip to limb tip; energy of bow is stored in limbs. Limbs Bow has a more compact appearance, with limbs that are constantly flexed; limbs may be parallel to one another. Bow has an elongated appearance, with limbs that curve out from riser and then curve again out to limb tip. Weight Has let-off (i.e. the archer pulls back the full weight of the bow but holds only 15 to 35 percent of bow weight while aiming).

Archer pulls and holds the full weight of the bow when aiming. Release Mechanical release is used to release the string, though a limited number of archers use a finger tab with a compound bow. Archers always use their fingers to release the string, most often protected by a finger tab (a piece of leather that covers the fingers) or, less often, a shooting glove. Olympic Recurve Bows - Find Take Down Recurve Bows & Competition Recurve Bows You have no items to compare. Recurve Bows Shop Recurve Bows at Lancaster Archery Supply and discover a wide selection of Take Down Recurve Bows and Competition Recurve Bows. Find Olympic Style bows, limbs, risers and more. 247 Products

Question: Compound and recurve are variations of which Olympic event's equipment?
Answer: ARCHERY